Record-breaking F1 driver has now ‘effectively’ signed a contract to stay on the grid for 2026

Follow us on Google Discover

Six drivers on the 2025 Formula 1 grid are still without a contract for next year as the season enters its final stretch. The most eye-catching name on the list is Mercedes driver George Russell, but Red Bull still have three drivers awaiting news too.

Russell still hasn’t finalised his renewal despite another outstanding season. He’s scored seven podiums this year, including a fourth Grand Prix win in Canada.

The British driver has thrashed his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli 32-3 in the overall head-to-head. Despite that imbalance, the partnership is set to continue for next year.

Isack Hadjar is another who can relax. Hadjar is expected to get a Red Bull seat after a magnificent debut in F1, leaving Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in a battle for a Racing Bulls seat.

Finally, Franco Colapinto is fighting to stay at Alpine, with reserve driver Paul Aron identified as his most likely competitor.

Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes contract extension is ‘effectively’ signed already

Toto Wolff has told fans not to expect any grand announcements from Mercedes. And part of the reason for that may be that Antonelli is ‘effectively already signed’.

This is according to Molly Hudson of The Times, who made an ‘Ask Me Anything’ appearance on Reddit. She says the length of the deal is still to be confirmed.

It may be that Antonelli had an option for 2026 in his initial contract, and Mercedes can simply take it up rather than negotiating fresh terms. He may not be guaranteed a seat beyond next year, though, amid Wolff’s interest in Max Verstappen.

There was some doubt over Antonelli’s future due to a prolonged slump between his first podium in Canada and his home race in Italy. That run included more crashes (three) than points finished (two).

But Antonelli has shown enough glimpses of his talent, including his record-breaking Sprint pole lap in Miami, to justify a second season at Brackley.

What about George Russell’s new Mercedes deal?

Hudson says that Russell’s contract is still being ‘held up’. The last remaining issue concerns ‘marketing and commercial commitments’.

Russell wants to make fewer sponsor appearances next year. It will be his eighth season in Formula 1 and his fifth with Mercedes.

It’s believed that a multi-year deal is on the table for Russell, which could protect him against the threat of Verstappen. That would make Antonelli the driver at risk.